Prof. Targo Kalamees
About
Professor of Building Physics at Tallinn University of Technology. He’s research fields include the hygrothermal behaviour of buildings envelope structures, heat loss of building envelope, hygrothermal loads, indoor climate and energy consumption of buildings, climate proofing and resilience, and future-proof buildings. He has led several research projects in the field of wooden buildings.
The service life of modern Estonian wooden buildings
This study evaluates modern wooden buildings in the Estonian cold, humid climates, focusing on how material selection, design, and maintenance impact their durability and appearance. Inspections of 78 buildings tracked visual changes, damage patterns, and user maintenance practices. The findings reveal that design deficiencies, particularly in rainwater management, short eaves, and low plinth heights, significantly affect durability. The study emphasizes the need for design improvements, appropriate facade material selection, and preventive maintenance to enhance the long-term performance of these buildings.